Some of the Yak-52 external checks
before the flight are really common sense and would be the same as for
any other type of aircraft. The standard visual inspection routine
and Engine start up procedures described below are based on the original
"Yak-52 Flight Manual" and practical experience in operation of the Yak-52
aircraft over 20 years.

As the pilot approaches
the aircraft, the external visual inspection should be started by looking
for hazardous obstructions in the parking area and for possible oil and
fuel leaks under the aircraft. All tie-downs, control locks and the
aircraft covers should be removed. The chocks must be positioned
under the main wheels and the fire extinguisher must be kept near to the
aircraft.

Then the pre-flight inspection
should be performed in the following way:

1. Pre-flight Inspection Route

Walking around the aircraft
check following:

(1)

The absence of incidental
things under the engine (including loose stones) that can damage propeller
during the start up.

(2)

The propeller and spinner:
no oil leaks, defects, cracks or dents. Safety pins must be in place
on the nuts holding the counterbalances.

(3)

The propeller blades
installation according to the installation marks.

(4)

The engine cowl flaps:
free and full movement, no defects or deformations.

(5)

The engine cowls: no
deformations, fuel or oil leaks. Hatches must be closed properly
(cuts on the slots in the fasteners must be horizontal). The carburettor
air intake must be clean with no objects inside. Carburettor air
filter: clean.

(6)

The cover of the oil
cooler is removed, cooler condition, no oil leaks.

(7)

Visually check the tyres'
condition and pressure (3 kg/cm2 in main and nose tyres).

(8)

Check the extension
of shock absorber rods (main struts: 200-205mm, nose strut: 140-145mm).
Try to move the gear bars and rods by hand: the lateral and longitudinal
movements of the undercarriage elements must be within tolerances.

(9)

The shock absorbers:
no oil leaks.

(10)

Check the right wing
(no fuel leaks from the fuel tank), then aileron and landing flaps for
possible damages and deformations. Check if the control locks are removed
and ailerons can be deflected easily and fully.

(11)

Inspect the fuselage
from below for the surface damages, fuel/oil leaks. Make sure there are
no loose objects in the fuselage. Slap your hand against the underside
of the fuselage (on both sides) all the way aft of the rear seat to the
tailplane - junk will bounce audibly. Remove it before the flight.

(12)

Inspect the fuselage
right side for the surface damages.

(13)

Check the aerial attachment
and its state.

(14)

Check the tail unit
for possible surface damages and deformations, check the state of elevator
and rudder hinge connections. Check if the control surface locks
are removed and controls can be deflected completely.

(15)

Check the fuselage left-hand
side for the surface damages. The inspection panel screws on the tailplane
must be tight, the external power and external air covers must be closed.

(16)

Check the left wing
(no fuel leaks from the fuel tank). Check if the control surface
locks are removed and ailerons can be deflected easily and fully. Check
the landing flaps for surface damages and deformations. Check the
Pitot tube condition and ensure that the cover is removed. Check
if the stall sensor flap has free and full movement.

The parachute belts should
be adjusted to fit the pilot, then the parachute should be placed into
the seat and its static line must be connected to the seat.

REAR COCKPIT PREPARATION FOR SOLO
FLIGHT

Solo flights must be
carried out from the front cockpit only.

Rear cockpit checks:

(1)

No loose articles, headset
is removed.

(2)

Parachute is taken out
of the cockpit.

(3)

Harnesses must be fastened
and then tied together firmly.

(4)

Landing flaps control
is in neutral position.

(5)

"Brakes Release" switch
is in "OFF" position (back).

(6)

Magneto switch is in
"1+2" position.

(7)

Check if the landing
gear control in the front is down and locked, then put the gear to
neutral in the back (must be also locked).

(8)

The "IGNITION" switch
is in "1 COCKPIT" position (up).

(9)

All "INSTRUMENT FAILURE
IMITATION" switches are in "OFF" position (down).

(10)

Parking brake is released.

(11)

Sliding part of the
canopy is closed and locked.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Ensure magneto selector switches in both the front and rear cockpits remain
on "0" until the propeller pull through procedure is complete, then
SET THE MAGNETO IN THE REAR COCKPIT TO "1+2" POSITION before attempting
to start the engine.

3. Pilot's Actions After Entering
the Cockpit

(1)

Adjust the rudder pedals
as required with the turning handle. That must enable full movement
of the pedals with the knees slightly bent when the stops are reached.

(2)

Check all controls for
free, full and correct movement.

(3)

Check the brakes for
possible air leaks. With brakes fully on and rudder pedals in neutral
position no noise of the air coming out should be heard.

(4)

Check the condition
of the harnesses and their lock.

(5)

Connect the headset
to the aircraft sockets.

(6)

Put the parachute harnesses
on and ensure their lock is closed properly.

(7)

Put the pilot's seat
harnesses on in the correct order and ensure their lock is closed properly.

(8)

Check if the sliding
part of the canopy can be closed and opened easily and the canopy lock
condition.